Academic Advisor

Position Summary

Under general supervision by the Assistant Dean, this position supports student academic success and provides academic advising in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts. This position supports the mission of the BCLA Academic Advising Center by helping students navigate academic options and explore academic opportunities, create and connect to resources designed to support student success, identify goals, and implement plans to reach those goals through individual meetings and strategic programs. This position will implement cross-functional collaboration within BCLA and across the university to increase student success and may take a leadership role in other advising programming at the direction of the Assistant Dean.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Advising and Promoting Student Success

1. Help students explore academic opportunities, identify goals, and implement plans to reach those goals through individual meetings and strategic programs. Maintain current and comprehensive notes on student interactions.

2. Engage with a community of advising including faculty advisors, collaborative offices, graduate assistants, and all undergraduate students through training, seminars, programs, events, and related initiatives; help train and mentor graduate assistants and undergraduate peer advisors on all BCLA advising procedures and processes;

3. Maintain up-to-date understanding of curricular requirements for all BCLA academic major and minor programs, as well as the Core Curriculum; maintain familiarity with the academic programs and requirements in the other schools and colleges; show students how to assess their degree progress through graduation.

4. Advise students across all BCLA disciplines and academic interests (through one to one advising, email and phone communications, workshop presentations, large group presentations that may include prospective students and incoming students and parents), while developing and sustaining initiatives that holistically support student success for BCLA undergraduates; help staff BCLA virtual office hours.

5. Create workshops for target student populations regarding academic success and adjustment, such as academic involvement, academic advancement (for students at risk), undeclared students, first-year and transfer students, co-sponsored events with academic departments, international students, study abroad, etc.

6. Understand explicitly and be accountable for the correct application and communication of LMU and BCLA academic policies (including FERPA), deadlines, and procedures; refer difficult cases to a senior advisor or the Assistant Dean;

7. Support faculty throughout the school year with such tasks as: advising for first-year and transfer orientations, development of advising materials, graduation.

8. Direct students towards campus resources that will enhance their ability to be academically successful, and implement cross-functional collaboration with these departments to increase student success

Oversight and Coordination of BCLA Advising Activities

9. Manage BCLA Academic Advising Center’s initiatives (e.g., graduation/degree clearance process, probation/at-risk student support, transfer course approval process, etc.). Help review and monitor student advising records, including degree audits, degree checks, transcripts, and student registration records;

10. Facilitate training for chairs and department faculty on advising issues.

11. Train student workers regarding BCLA advising procedures and processes.

Reports/ Analytics/ Assessment

12. Draft content for BCLA student outreach (via email, website, social media, and other communications platforms) with assistance from the Assistant Dean and BCLA Communications manager.

13. Utilize Banner, Prowl, LionConnect, Etrieve, Argos, and DegreeWorks to monitor individual students and cohorts of students and help identify roadblocks to student retention, persistence, and success;

14. Analyze data and make recommendations to promote student success.

15. Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding student service.

Requisite Qualifications

• Typically a Bachelor Degree in liberal arts, education, social sciences or related field or equivalent experience. M.A. or progress towards M.A. is preferred. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.

• Minimum two years’ experience in academic setting, preferably with advising students on curriculum. Familiarity with the Office of the Registrar functions or related area is desirable but not required.

• General knowledge of the workings of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts

• Preferred that candidate has demonstrated knowledge in the areas of: academic advising, curricula, and administrative functions in higher education. Candidates should have a strong dedication to promoting liberal arts education and a strong desire to counsel and assist undergraduate students with their academic planning.

• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral). Candidate will be expected to answer students’ email and phone communications effectively and efficiently, as well as meet individually with students. Candidate should also possess excellent time management and project management skills as well as a comprehensive understanding of change processes.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well independently and be accountable for completing assigned work; ability and enthusiasm for working collaboratively with faculty and other university constituents.

• Counsel students relative to their academic programs and in relationship to their career objective.

• Demonstrated computer competency and preferably knowledgeable of word processing systems, Excel, Banner, and other common university systems. Ability to manage organizational, policy, and technology change is essential.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

Please include as required materials for submission:

Please submit a cover letter that addresses: (1) your theoretical approach to academic advising, sharing examples of how you apply that theory to practice; (2) your experience and interest related to advising undergraduate students in a liberal arts college; and (3) any relevant team project, teaching, and/ or research related to best practices in advising.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range$66,600.00 - $86,600.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit for more information.)

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